Are You an Introvert?

Many people (especially children) are labeled as being shy, when in reality they are introverted. Being shy and being introverted aren't the same thing, although their actions may seem the same. An introvert enjoys time alone and gets emotionally drained after spending a lot of time with others. A shy person doesn't necessarily want to be alone but is afraid to interact with others.

Shyness is the fear of people due to insecurity or social anxiety. An introvert isn't afraid of people, but being around too many people for too long always leaves them feeling drained. They need their alone time to recharge their energy.

The following are all characteristics of introverts. The more of these you relate to, the higher the chances are that you're an introvert (and you're in great company...many smart famous people are/were introverts)!

1. You Don’t Enjoy Small Talk

Introverts prefer conversations with substance over small talk. They like to discuss meatier subjects at length vs. filler small talk. Because they focus on more having more meaningful interactions, introverts are good listeners.

2. You Enjoy Your Time Alone, and Need It

Introverts not only like their alone time, they need it. Having time to themselves to unwind reenergizes them.

3. You Find Crowds Stressful

Introverts prefer one-on-one time, where it’s more intimate. After spending time in a large group of people, they can’t wait to go home and recharge their batteries. They need down time to balance out the overstimulation of being around a lot of people.

4. Introverts Are Selectively Social

Introverts find it difficult to meet people they like and feel comfortable with. Like not investing in small talk, an introvert doesn't invest energy on being part of social gatherings with people they're not completely interested in. They take their time getting to know someone better to see if they actually enjoy being around that person.

5. You Have a Very Small Group of Very Close Friends

Introverts don’t enjoy large scale socializing, but they thrive around their small group of close, trusted friends. They prefer to have fewer, closer friendships over a large group of casual alliances.

6. Introverts are Creative

Studies show that introverts are very creative. They take in large amounts of information and think through how to use it to accomplish goals, they get things done!

7. You're a Great Listener

Introverts are great listeners. They listen to fully understand a person or situation. By intently listening to others, they carefully think through their responses.

8. You are Highly Introspective

An introvert tends to overanalyze situations, not because they don’t understand what's happening, but because they always seek to understand all aspects of the scenario.

9. You Aren't a Phone Person

Introverts are not the best at talking on the phone. Partly because it’s, more often than not, an unplanned intrusion and it disrupts their concentration on whatever we’re deeply focused on.

10. Introverts Pay Attention to the Small Details

They like to know what the people around them are really about. Introverts are also very mindful of their surroundings and small details, so other people tend to quickly grow comfortable opening up to them.

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